I’m going to it some things that might put me on the “no fly” list, so to speak, of several arts groups around town:
I’ve never been to a San Diego Opera production. Former Union-Tribune classical music writer James Chute gave me suggestions on which ones to check out first, but it just never worked out schedule-wise. The late Marcus Overton, who wrote classical music reviews for the U-T, vowed to take me to one and demystify the art for me, but we never got the chance to do it.
I’ve only been to one San Diego Symphony classical concert. It was Jahja Ling’s last concert as the symphony’s conductor. I wore an all-black suit and tie for the occasion and was surprised to see some in shorts. (Oh, San Diego …)
I once attended a La Jolla Music Society concert, and I thoroughly enjoyed Inon Barnatan’s exhilarating piano playing, but I was so lost musically, I felt like a fish out of water. (Blame my lack of classical musical knowledge, not Barnatan.)
For some, I’m probably the last person who should be calling the shots when it comes to arts coverage in America’s eighth-largest city.
After the year we’ve had — with stages empty and silent — I’ve made a vow to attend the opera, go to the symphony, educate myself more so I won’t feel so lost in a classical music concert.
I know my artistic taste is probably too pedestrian and unsophisticated for the artistically savvy, but I’ve found that my naiveté often gives me an opportunity to look at the arts from a fresh perspective.
As we slowly awaken from a yearlong slumber, I am emboldened by what I see: arts organizations, big and small, giving it their all to bring back the arts.
I may not know a Liszt from a Bartok, but I do know that in the annals of San Diego arts, 2021 will prove to be an important milestone. Many organizations, those who survived, are coming back with new goals, new missions — some forever changed by the pandemic and many purposefully implementing changes spurred on by social justice issues.
I can’t wait to again visit the Timken once it’s open. Ditto for the remodeled Mingei. And I’m excited about the launch of the Institute of Contemporary Art, San Diego.
I can’t wait to attend a production at the Old Globe or a play at New Village Arts. And I’m excited to check out Diversionary Theatre’s new digs.
The City Ballet’s Steven Wistrich sent me an email last week inviting me to a production this season. I can’t wait to take him up on his offer.
I can’t wait to see my first opera. And I’m eager to see the symphony’s conductor, Rafael Payare, in a classical concert.
I visited the symphony’s new outdoor venue — The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park — earlier this week, and the venue’s official opening today couldn’t come at a better time.
Its debut is not only a victory for the symphony, but in many ways, it represents this city’s artistic resilience.
I’ve seen countless photos and renderings of The Shell before, and I’ve read about its many wonders, acoustically and design-wise. But to see it in person was truly special. Perhaps it’s the year we’ve had, but The Shell’s opening is just what we need.
Right now. At this moment.
My ears may be untrained, but what The Shell signifies is glorious music to my ears. The rapidly spreading Delta variant may slow things down a bit, but the arts are coming back — many with mask and vaccination mandates.
From my little perch, I’m cheering you on — all of the arts. Do what you need to do as you navigate the path to reopening, as long as you get there.
We’ll be waiting with open arms to welcome all of you back.
